Geoffrey Cox, Torridge and West Devon’s MP, was in Appledore on Saturday to participate in celebrations to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the first launch from the dry dock and to meet the Residents’ Association to discuss the important issues affecting the village.

Mr Cox also visited Appledore Library- the fate of which currently hangs in the balance. Devon County Council is conducting a review of services, having earmarked 12 smaller libraries, including Appledore, for closure earlier this year. The purpose of the MP’s visit was to emphasise his support for the campaign to keep open Appledore Library.

 He meet representatives from the Friends of Appledore Library, who have developed their own proposals for its future, including incorporating a tourist information centre and hosting a book festival in order to attract more visitors.

Geoffrey Cox said:

“The possibility of the library closing has caused a great deal of anxiety and upset, but it has reinforced people’s awareness of just how important it is to the local community. It is a well used and vital resource enjoyed by a great many in the village- young and old. I hope that Devon County Council will be persuaded by the powerful arguments against closure. I have been very impressed with the constructive suggestions that the Friends of Appledore Library, and others, have made and I strongly support their campaign to keep Appledore Library open.”
He added:

“It has been wonderful to see so many people enjoying the stalls, music and attractions put on by the residents. I was particularly interested to see the dry dock and to listen the residents’ suggestions as to how the village might be improved and regenerated.”

10 July 2006